HANDY TIP

Best harvested when 5-10cm (2-4”) in diameter. Leaves can be used in place of spinach.
Easy to grow and much more tasty than fresh shop bought beetroot. It should be harvested just at the right time when the size of a tennis ball. Sow the seeds thinly from April to June in drills 2cm deep with 30cm between rows. Is a good idea to sow part rows at weekly intervals to get a succession of roots. Some varieties can be sown earlier under cloches. Thin seedings to 10cm between plants, keep weed free and water regularly. Loosen roots with a fork and pull gently, twist off the leaves about 4-5cm form the crown, do not cut or damage rhe skin as this will result in bleeding during cooking with a loss of colour and flavour. Wash in cold water and cook in boling water for 1-2 hours. Rub off the skin when cool.